Chance to move up the ladder tonight

Share on social media

Talk of a late-season choke for the Warriors was all but buried with last week's 18-12 road win over the Dragons.

Back-to-back losses to the Storm and Titans had everyone thinking the Warriors were on the slide, but you don't go and win at a ground you haven't won at for 22 years unless you're serious about your goals and ambitions.

Now comes the tricky bit – backing it up with a similarly committed effort against a team they are supposed to beat. The other factor hanging over their heads is their poor home record in 2018.

If the Warriors are going to push hard for a top-four spot they simply must win this Friday night clash.

The Knights finished strongly against the Tigers last week but gave up too much ground in the first half, but they've proved they can't be taken lightly and will be keen to be a fly in the ointment for top-eight sides over the final four games.

Match: Warriors vs Knights

Key match-up: He has had an up-and-down season but Roger Tuivasa-Sheck turned on his best form in last week's upset of the Dragons. Everyone raved about the strength and smarts he displayed in his try-saving tackle on Tim Lafai, but the magic footwork and swerve were all back and he looked dangerous every time he touched the ball. RTS will be relishing his battle with 20-year-old star Kalyn Ponga.

For the Warriors to win: Stephen Kearney's confidence in his side surely doubles whenever Issac Luke is in the line-up. Luke returned last week after a brief injury layoff and the Warriors' will to win seems to always be stronger when he plays. The Warriors need to feed off his bursts from dummy-half to keep the Knights on the back foot all night, in addition to an effective kicking game from Shaun Johnson and Blake Green.

For the Knights to win: Nathan Brown will be crossing his fingers Mitchell Pearce doesn't succumb to the leg injury that forced him from the field in the second half of last week's loss to the Tigers. Ponga and the rest of the Knights stepped up in Pearce's absence and went close to a comeback win, but their best chance of winning is to have Pearce calling the shots.

Warriors Stat Attack: Issac Luke will play his 250th NRL game on Friday against the Knights. Shaun Johnson leads the NRL in field goals (4), while Blake Green is equal leader in 40/20 kicks (2).

Knights Stat Attack: Pearce may yet be unable to play but if he does it will be his 250th NRL game. Kalyn Ponga leads the competition in line breaks (128), while Shaun Kenny-Dowall has the equal most intercepts (3).

And another thing: Even though they appear headed for the finals and possibly even a top four berth, it's still hard to tell which Warriors side is going to show up from week to week. Their poor 4-5 home record is easily the worst among all top eight teams, but on the flipside their 8-3 road record is the NRL's best. Newcastle have won just four of 11 home games but boast a respectable 4-5 road record.

Warriors: The Warriors have enjoyed a smooth preparation after last week's road win over the Dragons and will take the field as named on Tuesday. Peta Hiku replaces suspended Sam Lisone, Adam Blair swaps to back-row with Simon Mannering to lock. Anthony Gelling and Tevita Satae were cut from the reserves on Thursday, while Joseph Vuna and Karl Lawton were the last players omitted an hour prior to kick-off.

Knights: Newcastle have no late concerns and will line up 1-17. Young prop Pasami Saulo debuts on the bench with Herman Ese'ese starting and Josh King out. Injured pair Mitchell Pearce (quad) and Kalyn Ponga (ankle) have both been cleared to play. Josh King and Brock Lamb were dropped 24 hours out from game time, while Nick Meaney and Luke Yates were omitted an hour before kick-off.

Petero Civoniceva's prediction: Issac Luke brings up game No.250 and that will motivate his team-mates as he has been great for them since coming from Souths. There Warriors are level on 26 points with the Broncos and Sharks so they have way too much to play for to be losing at home.